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England great Hurst backs Man Utd's Rooney as skipper

Sir Geoff Hurst believes Wayne Rooney's game will improve even further with the permanent England captaincy.

The Manchester United striker, who took the captain's armband in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, scored two goals as the Three Lions eventually disposed of San Marino 5-0 in World Cup qualifying at Wembley last night and former England great Hurst is confident the job will only push the player towards success.

"I really can't see any negatives to him being captain," said Hurst.

"It is something he will embrace and may just give him the added responsibility that hopefully will assist in his continued improvement with England.

"He has broad enough shoulders for it and would take it on better than most."

He added: "In football terms he is still young.

"He came through so early and all of a sudden he has acquired 70-odd caps.